What Is 1938 Kansas Jayhawks football team

Overview

The 1938 Kansas Jayhawks football team represented the University of Kansas in the NCAA college football season, competing as a member of the Big Six Conference. Under the leadership of head coach Gwinn Henry, the team navigated a challenging schedule that included both regional rivals and non-conference opponents.

Despite high hopes entering the season, the Jayhawks struggled to maintain consistency, finishing with a losing record. However, they managed notable performances against conference foes, showcasing moments of offensive potential and defensive resilience throughout the year.

• 4–5 overall record: The team won four games and lost five during the 1938 season, falling short of postseason play.
• Big Six Conference: Kansas competed in this precursor to the Big Eight, finishing with a 2–2 mark in conference games.
• Gwinn Henry as head coach: This was Henry’s fourth and final season leading the Jayhawks before being replaced in 1939.
• Memorial Stadium: The team played its home games at this on-campus venue in Lawrence, which opened in 1921.
• Key victories: Wins over Colorado (13–0) and Missouri (7–6) were highlights of the season.

Season Performance

The 1938 campaign featured a mix of competitive matchups and tough losses that reflected the team’s transitional phase. Kansas faced a balanced schedule, combining regional Big Six opponents with independent teams, testing both depth and strategy.

• September 24, 1938: Opened the season with a 13–0 win over Colorado, setting a positive tone early.
• October 8, 1938: Suffered a 19–7 loss to Oklahoma, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
• October 22, 1938: Secured a narrow 7–6 victory over Missouri in a tightly contested rivalry game.
• November 5, 1938: Lost 13–7 to Kansas State, underscoring struggles in the intra-state rivalry.
• November 19, 1938: Concluded the regular season with a 20–7 loss to Nebraska, ending with a losing record.
• Non-conference games: Played three non-conference opponents, winning one and losing two.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1938 season compares to other years in the late 1930s for the Jayhawks football program:

The 1938 season marked a modest improvement over the previous two years in terms of overall wins and conference performance. While still not a standout season, the 4–5 record and 2–2 conference mark represented a brief upward trend before Henry’s departure. The team’s ability to defeat both Colorado and Missouri in the same season was a rare achievement at the time.

Why It Matters

The 1938 season is a footnote in Kansas football history but offers insight into the program’s evolution during a transitional era. It captures a team striving for competitiveness in a developing conference landscape, just before major shifts in coaching and college football structure.

• End of Gwinn Henry’s tenure: His 19–21–2 record over four seasons ended after 1938, marking a coaching transition.
• Foundation for future growth: The modest success laid groundwork for later improvements in the 1940s and beyond.
• Historical context: Played during the Great Depression, with limited resources affecting training and travel.
• Rivalry performances: Competitive games against Missouri and Kansas State kept fan interest alive.
• Pre-WWII era football: Reflects the style and pace of play before major rule changes and integration.
• Stadium continuity: Memorial Stadium remained a constant, hosting games for decades to come.

Though not a championship season, the 1938 Jayhawks contributed to the long-term narrative of Kansas football, illustrating perseverance and regional competitiveness during a formative period.